Stanley is buying Black & Decker

Stanley is buying Black & Decker · 11-03-2009, 10:12 AM

Stanley Works is buying rival Black & Decker for $4.5 billion, the new company will be known as Stanley Black & Decker.

Now they will have a big hand tool line among there power tools, what's next ?

Any opinions ?

FredP · 11-03-2009, 10:29 AM

with any luck there will be better tools from both but realistically there will be cheaper foriegn made tools, more job losses, and a deeper recession.

sapwood · 11-03-2009, 10:33 AM

Just read the news in the N&O this morning and I must say the two company names sure don't roll off the tongue together very well

Roger

froglips · 11-03-2009, 10:39 AM

I want them to apply the power wrench technology with the chisel!

Maybe a cordless block plane?

I don't have much of an opinion. Stanley has at least a hundred year history of gobbling up small companies, so to me, this is not really a big change.

What I do like, is things like this open doors for small innovative folks to get to markets that no longer appeal to mega-corps.

Jim

sapwood · 11-03-2009, 10:47 AM

Yep, I tried saying the name out loud and it sounds like a law firm

No opinion otherwise as I know nothing about the world of business

Roger

bpeck · 11-03-2009, 03:02 PM

I think they aught to call it Stanley & Decker. Sounds like a comedy team which would be appropriate.

I haven't bought any of either company's tools in years, except a Stanley scratch awl that I got for a buck out of an Ace Hardware bargain bin. Premium hand tool makers have taken over that market from Stanley and there are lots of good power tool makers that have pushed out Black & Decker.

At least Stanley didn't buy out a small quality tool maker and ruin their branding or close them down as happens so often these days (particularly in the IT industry).

JimmyC · 11-03-2009, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by bpeck

At least Stanley didn't buy out a small quality tool maker and ruin their branding or close them down as happens so often these days (particularly in the IT industry).

It hasn't happened yet but just wait, B&D has done a good job of lowering the quality and customer service on Delta. P-C, DeWalt, etc., so I'm sure that they have the talent to kill a small handtool company.

On another hand, I think Jim (Froglips) is right about it opening up opportunities for smaller innovative companies.

CarvedTones · 11-03-2009, 04:26 PM

Why not BLACK AND sTANley?

WoodWrangler · 11-03-2009, 04:33 PM

Are they nuts? Junk meet Junk.

ashley_phil · 11-03-2009, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by bpeck

At least Stanley didn't buy out a small quality tool maker and ruin their branding or close them down as happens so often these days (particularly in the IT industry).

yeah they day you read Stanley bought Lie Nielson is the day you need to worry.

DavidF · 11-03-2009, 05:58 PM

Are we all not being a bit rude to one of our members that is going to be a big part of this new venture? Where is the respect we were bragging about last week. If Nick wasn't a member it might be different, but he is. Actually those two brands are some of my oldest and most used tools, I have no complaints about either of them

ashley_phil · 11-03-2009, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by DavidF

Are we all not being a bit rude to one of our members that is going to be a big part of this new venture? Where is the respect we were bragging about last week. If Nick wasn't a member it might be different, but he is. Actually those two brands are some of my oldest and most used tools, I have no complaints about either of them

good point, i have a garage full of their combined equipment and it serves me well.

Gotcha6 · 11-03-2009, 06:14 PM

I've got 2 Stanley routers that are at least 50 years old & they still serve me well. In the B & D Commercial line I've got a Sawcat that is 35 years old & still going as well as a 'Macho III' hammer drill ~25 years old that keeps on going. I think what everyone is complaining about is the 'homeowner' line of tools. The Builder/commercial line of products they sell are on a par with anyone.

MrAudio815 · 11-03-2009, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Gotcha6

I've got 2 Stanley routers that are at least 50 years old & they still serve me well. In the B & D Commercial line I've got a Sawcat that is 35 years old & still going as well as a 'Macho III' hammer drill ~25 years old that keeps on going. I think what everyone is complaining about is the 'homeowner' line of tools. The Builder/commercial line of products they sell are on a par with anyone.

Sure don't have much expirence on either brand and sure dont on the builder/commercial line. I did buy a B&D finish sander and the motor burned up with only about 30 hrs, if that.

nelsone · 11-03-2009, 07:34 PM

I just hope these two organizations decide to target people that have more ambition than the lowest common denominator that they have both targeted over the last 20~30 years. Stanley seems to be making efforts with their new hand planes. I was quite worried when B&D picked up Dewalt and Porter Cable. Hopefully those will remain good quality tools.

I understand we have a member that is part of the organization and I wish him the best. I would like to see them improve the quality and reliability of their products.

Things like this make me think they are trying!